Bayfield 40 vs Nordic 40
How do the Bayfield 40 and Nordic 40 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Bayfield 40 | Bayfield 40 | Nordic 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 39.5 ft12.04 m | 39.7 ft12.10 m |
| Waterline length | 30.5 ft9.30 m | 32.5 ft9.91 m |
| Beam | 12.0 ft3.66 m | 12.4 ft3.79 m |
| Draft | 4.9 ft1.50 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 21,000 lb9,525 kg | 18,000 lb8,165 kg |
| Ballast | 8,200 lb3,719 kg | 7,091 lb3,216 kg |
| Sail area | 794 ft²73.8 m² | 756 ft²70.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.69 | 17.61 |
| Displacement / Length | 330 | 234 |
| Comfort ratio | 35.7 | 28.0 |
| Capsize screening | 1.74 | 1.90 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 7.6 |
Bayfield 40 vs Nordic 40: the short version
- The Bayfield 40 and Nordic 40 are close in length (39.5 ft12.04 m vs 39.7 ft12.10 m ).
- The Bayfield 40 is heavier, displacing about 17% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Nordic 40 carries the more powerful rig (17.6 vs 16.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Bayfield 40 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Bayfield 40 rates better for offshore work (1.74 vs 1.90).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.